Any challengers to upset Watsonians and Clydesdale Western in the Women`s Indoor Division 1?

Since 2020 Watsonians and Clydesdale Western have won the women`s indoor National League Division 1 title twice each (there was no competition in 2021), so will there be any change to that scenario this season?

Previous to that Dundee Wanderers held sway, so will there be a Tayside revival?

Last season Watsonians triumphed with a 2-0 win over Clydesdale in the Gala Day final, Jess Garden and Emily Dark were on target that day.    In the penultimate stage the finalists were joined by Wildcats and Hillhead who did extremely well to find a place in the top four.

So will it be any different this season – day one`s action at Disc on Sunday will provide some evidence.

Champions Watsonians are late arrivals on the day and open their account against Wildcats and Inverleith, and no doubt coach Keith Smith will be hoping for the six points.

But there is a factor involved this indoor season – namely the FIH World Cup Qualifier at the end of February.

We approached Watsonians` coach Keith Smith to assess the impact. He revealed: “With the timing of the WCQ, our internationals won`t be available to play in the league after Christmas, and if selected for the qualifier they won`t be available for indoor club euros either.

“So it`s better for them to have a little extra time off from club commitments.  That way they can focus completely on their international preparations and not worry about trying to combine that with indoor beforehand.

“That also allows everyone else to get as much court time as possible in the league so we can be well prepared for the euros in February.”

Keith then went on.  “We`ve known for a while the WCQs would likely clash, so it`s not a surprise and we had a good idea of what our options would be.”

So Watsonians will likely be without some key players, although the Scotland squad is not yet known, but they are not alone as Clydesdale Western are likely to be in the same situation.    Sunday may reveal the impact of this situation.   Clydesdale have a three game day as they take on Dundee Wanderers as an opener, then Grange and finally GHK in the final game of the day.

Does that open the door for others to capitalise, and who are the most likely? Not easy to predict, but you would expect Wildcats to be there or thereabouts given their recent top four finishes. They normally put out a strong squad for the competition.   As well as the champions the Cats will take on Hillhead. And there`s Dundee Wanderers with their strong indoor tradition, but they may need some extra talent to make their presence felt. Their mettle will certainly be tested in their opening encounter with Clydesdale, last season`s runners-up, and then they have GHK to contend with.

The other sides include Hillhead, who did so well last season, Grange, Inverleith and GHK – it will be interesting to see if any of these sides can make the breakthrough – Sunday might tell!

 

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